Radiation exposure during pelvimetry CT procedures in Ibn Sina Children's Hospital of Rabat

Purpose: The goal of this pilot study was to estimate the doses delivered during of pelvimetry Computed Tomography (CT) procedures in order to establish local diagnostic reference level (DRL) of Ibn Sina Children's Hospital of Rabat. Materials and methods: This study consisted of examining a total of 30 patients. All CT examinations were performed with a SIEMENS Somatom Sensation 64 CT with Automatic Exposure Control System. The data that collected for each diagnostic exam chosen included scanner acquisition parameters, number of series, use of the contrast medium, and rotation time as well as slice thickness, the displayed CT dose index (CTDIvol) and the Dose Length Product (DLP). Effective dose and DRL were evaluated using the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) conversion factor. Results: The average age of women who have benefited from the pelvimetry CT scan is equal to 25.10 ± 4.75 years. Tube voltage (kV), tube current and rotation time were 110 (kV), 30 (mA) and 0,8 (s) respectively. The average displayed CT dose index CTDIvol were 2.15 ± 0.02 mGy. The average dose length product (DLP) was (55.97 ± 0.25) mGy cm. The average effective dose received by women pregnant during a pelvimetry CT scan was 0.84 ± 0.01 mSv. The foetal dose was 2.36 ± 0.02 mGy. The local DRL for this procedure was equal to 56.66 ± 2.15 mGy cm. Conclusion: Our values are higher than the standards of some European countries. This first ever survey of CT practice in Ibn Sina Children's Hospital of Rabat confirmed the need to improved training of health professionals involved in computed tomography on factors affecting image quality and dose and protocols optimization.